Moscow taxi driver fined for performing namaz on roadway

A man praying on a road in Moscow. Photo: Rambler

It was reported on July 2 that a taxi driver in Moscow had been fined 5,000 rubles (about €56) for performing namaz on a roadway near a traffic police office, according to Rambler.

The incident took place on May 27 on 2nd Izmailovsky Zverinets Street. According to the publication, the man stopped his Kia Rio in a prohibited area next to a traffic police department, spread a prayer mat on the asphalt, and began to pray.

Passing motorists and traffic police officers witnessed the scene. Authorities quickly identified the offender.

The man explained that he could not find a designated place for prayer nearby and therefore decided to perform namaz on the road. He said he was unaware that such actions were prohibited.

An administrative report was filed against the driver under legislation governing freedom of conscience and religious associations. A magistrate in Moscow’s Izmailovo District subsequently imposed a fine of 5,000 rubles.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that thousands of Muslims in the United States took part in a march marking an Islamic holiday.

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